Fishing at Swift Reservoir, Skamania County, Washington

• Overview

  The Skamania County entry here is Swift Reservoir, in Washington. Farm and woodlot runs right down to the water. It covers about 7.2 sq miles, which means weather matters as much as tactics. The shoreline runs to about 27 miles, far more than one trip can cover. By surface area it heads our Skamania County listings. You are 19 miles from Amboy. Vancouver is the closest city, 39 miles away. It sits well inside its county, with no border complications.

• Where to Fish on Swift Reservoir

  Nothing in our records gives a depth for this one. Built water gives depth close in, which suits a bank angler. Draw-down through summer strips the margins, so follow the water out. Records held for Skamania County cover Chinook salmon, Coho salmon and rainbow trout. Several of these carry legal protection or closed seasons; the rulebook comes before the rod. The near bank of Swift Reservoir is often the one people ignore.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The range across the year is 35°F to 62°F. A long season, with weather mattering more than the month. Some winters give nothing at all, so plan for open water. Late winter often fishes better here than midsummer does. Time your trip to Swift Reservoir by conditions rather than dates.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access status is simply unknown for this water. Nothing is mapped in the way of a ramp or car park within a short radius. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Read any posted signs at the access point rather than assuming. Where the way in crosses private ground, ask first. The nearest alternative is June Lake, 7 miles out. None of that is settled for Swift Reservoir in what we hold.